Sharpshooter Burke gets Dubs off mark
DONAL BURKE was the star of the show for Dublin as they claimed their first victory of the Division 1 Group B campaign away to Laois on a 0-30 to 1-19 scoreline.
It was a much-needed success for Mattie Kenny’s side especially after their first-round defeat to Kilkenny seven days previously.
Burke is entitled to the plaudits as he put his name to 18 points of the winners’ haul.
In all, 14 of those scores came from frees while Burke also fired over from a 65 in an exceptional display from the Na Fianna clubman.
Indeed, Cheddar Plunkett’s men have every right to be sick of the sight of Burke who also chalked up a personal tally of 1-16 when the sides met in the Leinster SHC quarter-final last October at Croke Park.
On that occasion, the Midlanders lost by 14 points and while the deficit was just eight in O’Moore Park yesterday, the losers probably deserved to be closer.
The game certainly appeared to be heating up during the second period when Cha Dwyer netted for the hosts.
But Laois’ revival failed to kick on as Burke’s unerring accuracy managed to keep Dublin at a safe distance out in front.
In the end, defeat heaps huge pressure on Plunkett and his players in the wake of the thumping they endured at the hands of Wexford in the opening round.
They were well in touch at the break when trailing by 0-13 to 0-11 with the free-taking of PJ Scully keeping them in touch.
Laois’ next chance to get off the mark in the competition comes next weekend when they entertain visiting Clare.
Dublin will hope to build on this success when they take on topflight newcomers Antrim at Parnell Park.
Jack Regan contributed six points (five frees) as Meath bounced back from their Division 2A opening round defeat against Offaly to beat Wicklow 0-20 to 0-11 in Aughrim.
Christy Moorehouse registered five points for the home side with his side having trailed by 0-10 to 0-5 at the break.
In Division 2B, it was one-way traffic in Newbridge where Kildare thumped Donegal on a 4-29 to 0-14 scoreline with James Burke grabbing two goals (one penalty) as Johnny Byrne and Conor Dowling also raised green flags.
Burke’s converted penalty had left the Lilywhites 1-12 to 0-5 in front at half-time.
Four-time footballing All-Star Keith Higgins scored Mayo’s goal as they defeated Roscommon 1-19 to 1-9 at Dr Hyde Park with Jack Lohan netting for the losers.
Mayo were 0-11 to 0-5 to the good at the break.